This is the 37th in a daily series of in-depth evaluations on the top 40 prospects leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft, which runs April 26-28. Today: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Strengths: Kalil is a tall tackle with remarkable athleticism. He has excellent quickness and natural flexibility that enable him to set up quickly with leverage. As a result, he is able to slide out easily to block explosive pass rushers. (Vital statistics: 6-7, 306, 4.98 in the 40-yard dash)

Because of his arm length, he is able to quickly get his hands on pass rushers. In addition, he is able to control opponents by swiftly getting his hands between their shoulders. When he maintains his leverage in pass protection, he can react quickly to quick pass-rush moves inside. He consistently works well with the guard to switch off against a defensive lineman’s stunts.

He is able to hand off the man he is pass blocking to pick up a delayed blitzer. He does an excellent job of firing down the line of scrimmage on in-line run blocks. He also is able to drive his opponent down the line to create holes in the running game.

Kalil is quick to get outside to block cornerbacks on quick-hitting screen passes to wide receivers. He also swiftly gets through the line to block linebackers out of the play at the second level.

Weaknesses: Kalil loses focus at times, causing his technique to suffer. When this occurs, he takes an upright position in pass protection that doesn’t allow him to adjust to quick pass-rush moves.

Because of his competitiveness and aggressive nature, he will attempt knockout blocks on linebackers at the second level. He often delivers a powerful initial blow but overextends and loses contact with the defender.

He does not establish good leverage on straight-ahead run blocks. Consequently, he can be jolted upright and backward. When this occurs, he is shed quickly by strong, aggressive defensive linemen.

Draft status: Kalil will be a top-five pick and has all the physical talent to start immediately at left tackle in the NFL. He will be a long-term fixture protecting his quarterback’s blind side. The Vikings, Rams and Chiefs all are teams with interest in Kalil.

If young Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder is going to improve in 2012, he needs better protection—and Kalil would provide a significant upgrade. Most mock drafts have the Vikings taking Kalil at No. 3 overall, but general manager Rick Spielman reportedly is shopping the pick.

During the 2011 season, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford took a lot of punishment because of poor offensive line play. If Kalil slips to No. 6, where the Rams are drafting after their blockbuster trade with the Redskins, St. Louis would be tempted to take him and make him Bradford’s blind-side protector for the next decade.

If Kalil isn’t selected by the Vikings, our sources tell us the Chiefs (who own the 11th overall pick) will attempt to trade up to obtain him. Kansas City recently signed former Texan Eric Winston to play right tackle and have 2008 first-round pick Branden Albert at left tackle. Albert is solid but not great and has only one year remaining on his contract. In 2012, Kalil could take over at left tackle, which would allow the Chiefs to move Albert to guard.